Slytech back protection Backpro NoShock™ XT Naked Review (2017):
Backpro NoShock XT NAKED review – Since 2006, Slytech and Shred Optics have been empowering athletes to push their limits and simply have fun. The brands create eyewear and protective equipment for all types of action sports athletes. In 2016, Shred and Slytech relocated their U.S. headquarters from New Hampshire to Park City, UT with the idea that being minutes away from the slopes would propel their innovation and strength . The brands have always been rider-influenced, empowering top athletes like Victor De Le Rue and Gigi Rüf; Slytech continues that tradition by bringing in renowned snowboard legend Tadashi Fuse and current all-around ripper Brandon Cocard to the team. If you’re looking for a product that has been tested by athletes in your given action sport, Slytech and Shred have you covered.
SlYTECH back protection reviewed: BACKPRO NOSHOCK XT NAKED
Rider specs: 5’9″ and weight 175 lbs Back Protector size: medium (see size chart on Slytech product page)
Intended Use: Action Sports, Snow Sports, Mountain Biking, Moto Sports, etc.
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable; breathable multi-impact back protection option for action sports use.
Product Details, from Slytech:
SLYTECH NOSCHOCK and SLYTECH ONE impact protection technologies, Slytech BACKPROTECTORS offer either a solution that pushes the category to a new level or a solution that is accessible, while simultaneously providing a superior comfort versus safety tradeoff solution. A 3 points adjustable velcro belt is included. CERTIFICATIONS: EN 1621-2 Level 2 FB
Review Date: March – April 2017 in Colorado
Review:
I have almost three decades of snowboarding under my belt, and my body has taken its fair share of hits. I’ve been looking at Slytech for several years, and after a rib and back injury early this season, it was time to try some protection options.
Slytech was started in 2006 when Carlo Salmini, a materials engineer and graduate of MIT, and Ted Ligety, an Alpine racer, partnered to collaborate on products that provide protection for athletes. Over the past 10 years, they’ve come up with some very innovative products, and the Backpro NoShock XT Naked is a prime example of their progress. This back protector is feather light, and their technology uses a multidirectional dispersion of the impact zone when you fall, which, in turn, reduces shock and lessens the possibility of breaking bone.
The first thing I noticed when putting on the NoShock XT back protector was how light it is (you’ll barely know it’s on), and how easy it is to adjust. The waist belt has a large Velcro closure, and is extremely easy to adjust; it can attach to your belt to snug it down in place and stop it from riding up. The removable shoulder straps, like suspenders, are easy to adjust with their built in Velcro straps. I usually kept the shoulder straps a bit loose so I could add a layer. You can use the XT Naked without the shoulder straps, as it conforms to your back nicely; however, I just preferred to have them attached while riding. I wore the XT Naked above my base layer; on a few colder days I wore it over my sweater and under my jacket. I wear a larger long-cut jacket for layering, and you can see the outline of the XT Naked back protector slightly, but it’s minimal given the protection it provides from the base of your spine up to your neck.
After a few runs or a hike I didn’t really notice it was on. I took several tumbles on hardpack snow and some bullet-proof ice under a few fresh inches of snow at Arapahoe Basin straight to my back, and the Backpro NoShock XT Naked worked as described: it distributed the impact and I was back up and riding without any pain. My largest slam was off of a 20-ish-foot, slushy jump at Breckenridge where I caught my heel edge on a spin (not intentional), and flew about 10 feet up. I landed on the side of my back on the knuckle of the landing, and I felt it, but the XT Naked saved me from what could have been a far worse impact.
Summary:
I couldn’t be happier with this product’s performance. It does exactly what it is supposed to, and provides great back protection. If you are looking for back protection, I highly recommend looking into Slytech’s range of products; they have many to choose from, and the Backpro NoShock XT Naked is a solid choice.
In 2018, Slytech is adding a line of back protection products that are just as lightweight, thinner, and even more low-profile than the NoShock line. The Flexi line offers slightly less protection than the NoShock, but is adequate for most riders. Flexi will meet Level 1 European Motorsport standard (EN 1621-2 Level 1 CB), whereas the Backpro NoShock XT Naked meets the Level 2 European Motorsport standard (EN 1621-2 Level 2 FB). So there are several options to choose from Slytech!
SLYTECH BACKPRO NOSHOCK XT NAKED Gallery:
Pros
- Superior impact protection, meets Level 2 European Motorsport standard (EN 1621-2 Level 2 FB)
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Easily adjustable belt and shoulder straps
- Versatile: can be worn with or without shoulder straps.
- Washable: yes you can clean this!
- Durable: it will last you a very long time.
Cons
- Slightly bulky when two or more under layers are applied
- Belt moved up slightly and had to readjust (more of a personal problem for me and really acceptable for the product)
Click here to view the 2018 Preview Gallery of Slytech and Shred Optics
| Price: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.6 / 5) |
